The Principles of Xeriscaping

The Principles of Xeriscape Gardening

Xeriscaping? is a word that was coined in 1978 by Denver Water of the water department of Denver, Colorado. It has come to be associated with a practical style of gardening that is now popular far beyond just the Desert Southwest. The concept was developed to emphasize landscaping with plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate. This can include both native and non-native plants, as long as they are well adapted. Contrary to popular belief, though, Xeriscaping is not only about using drought-tolerant plants. It encompasses all types of plants and uses them to their greatest advantage.

Create Practical Turf Areas

To make your lawn fit in with xeriscaping, you need good water sense. Watering is more efficient if you do it early in the morning, before the heat of the day evaporates most of it. Watering deeply but infrequently helps your grass grow thick roots that reach down into the soil for moisture, allowing your lawn to stand up to hot, dry conditions.

Select and Group Plants Appropriately

Group plants with similar water, light, and soil requirements together. You'll save water, not to mention aggravation, by avoiding mixes of sun- and shade-loving plants or wet- and dry-loving plants.

Improve the Soil in Your Garden

Soil that has been improved with compost and other organic matter will retain water and nutrients, allowing plants to use them more efficiently. For even greater moisture retention, you can mix in Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Garden Soil with your native soil.

Use Mulch to Keep Your Garden from Drying Out

A 3-inch layer of good, natural mulch will keep weeds at bay, moderate soil temperature, and help to retain soil moisture. Scotts® Nature Scapes® mulch uses exclusive water-directing polymers that evenly guide water from top to bottom, so you can use up to 30% less water than with ordinary mulches.

Use Efficient Irrigation

Minimize the use of overhead watering, where up to 90 percent can be lost to evaporation. Water plants infrequently and deeply to encourage deep, sturdy root systems.